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Is Sioux City a Good Place to Live? Sioux City, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sioux City ranks #723 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #315 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.5, #16 of 524) and low rents ($976/mo, #37 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (495 per 100,000, #370 of 444).
Sioux City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sioux City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sioux City?
Sioux City's cost of living index is 86.5, 13% below the US level of 100 and #84 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $976/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,482, 15% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Sioux City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 86.5#84 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $202,482#119 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,275/mo#145 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $173,600#153 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $976/mo#187 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17%#155 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sioux City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Sioux City is in the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Sioux City safe?
Sioux City recorded 495 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #837 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #370 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sioux City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,814 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sioux City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 495#837 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,814#915 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sioux City?
The median household in Sioux City earns $68,906, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sioux City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,906#836 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.3%#879 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sioux City?
The median resident of Sioux City is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1068 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.9%#1068 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sioux City's schools and health?
Sioux City's 21 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $12,880 spent per pupil. 39.7% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Sioux City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,880#848 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.7%#1102 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.3%#899 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,357 students are enrolled in Sioux City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sioux City?
The average commute in Sioux City is 17.5 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 1.3% of workers take transit and 5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sioux City scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.2°F and winters 22.9°F, with 29.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sioux City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.5 min#168 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.5% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29.5 | 10.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 34.2 | 14.8 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 25.9 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 61.1 | 36.7 | 3.2 |
| May | 72.3 | 48.7 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 59.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 85 | 63.4 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 82.6 | 60.8 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 76.6 | 51.2 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 62.8 | 37.9 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 46.8 | 25 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 33.4 | 14.8 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux City Airport.
| Measure | Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 29.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sioux City?
Woodbury County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Woodbury County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Sioux City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#627 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Woodbury County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Woodbury County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.026% | 95% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0011% | 81% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0039% | 75% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0061% | 75% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0048% | 74% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sioux City compare with similar-size cities?
Sioux City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #315 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 86,101.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #68 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Whittier, CAPop. 86,165 | #932 | 51.2 | $97,201 | $1,906/mo | 395 | 33.2 min |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #241 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 | 28.2 min |
| Town 'n' Country, FLPop. 85,928 | #1067 | 48.5 | $73,538 | $1,734/mo | no data | 28 min |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #597 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 | 30.5 min |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #297 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year | 23.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sioux City compare with the rest of Iowa?
Sioux City ranks #13 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 9% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Sioux City's score calculated?
Sioux City scores 54.6 out of 100, #723 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sioux City. Similar-size median 55.5.
51.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sioux City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
55.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sioux City. Similar-size median 58.9.
42.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sioux City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sioux City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
86.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sioux City. Similar-size median 56.1.
42.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sioux City. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sioux City. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sioux City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sioux City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sioux City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sioux City
Is Sioux City, IA a good place to live?
Sioux City ranks #723 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #315 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.5, #16 of 524) and low rents ($976/mo, #37 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (495 per 100,000, #370 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Sioux City?
Sioux City's cost of living index is 86.5, 13% below the US level of 100 and #84 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $976/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $202,482, 15% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Sioux City?
Sioux City recorded 495 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #837 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #370 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sioux City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,814 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sioux City?
The median household in Sioux City earns $68,906, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sioux City?
Median rent in Sioux City is $976/mo (Census), #187 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,275/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sioux City?
The typical home value in Sioux City is $202,482, up 2.7% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $173,600.
How are the public schools in Sioux City?
Sioux City's 21 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $12,880 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sioux City?
The average commute is 17.5 minutes, #168 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sioux City?
Sioux City averages 48.4°F over the year, 72.2°F in summer and 22.9°F in winter, with 29.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sioux City walkable?
Sioux City scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sioux City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Woodbury County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sioux City?
Woodbury County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sioux City?
Sioux City has 86,101 residents. The median resident of Sioux City is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1068 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sioux City compare with the rest of Iowa?
Sioux City ranks #13 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 9% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Sioux City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sioux City's population of 86,101 are Franklin, TN (#68 overall), Duluth, MN (#467 overall), Medford, OR (#1021 overall), Whittier, CA (#932 overall), and Georgetown, TX (#241 overall). Sioux City is #723.